Auxiliary engine

[goldammerr]

I have a Boston Whaler Outrage 21´ with a Mercury 200HP. I´d like to install a small auxiliary outboard for safety. Any ideas on the specs for such installation, i.e.,<br />Horsepower?<br />Long or short?<br />Proven retractable supports for the aux engine?<br /><br />thanks,<br /><br />r.

 

[JB]

Re: Auxiliary engine

Ahoy, Golda. Try the Classic Whaler Forum, those guys have tried everything and can't wait to tell you what to do. . . errr, ummm, give you advice. www.continuouswave.com/whaler <br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[goldammerr]

Re: Auxiliary engine

Thanks, JB. I´ve posted on their forum but it seems nobody has a spare/backup engine. <br /><br />I am specially interested in hearing experiences/ideas on retractable supports for the aux engine; main idea being to have a second engine in case the main engine fails.

 

[Wan Zai]

Re: Auxiliary engine

I hv tried 15 hp Yamaha aux engine on a retractable bracket with 27 footer FRP boat. My main engine is 90 hp Mariner. I don't like the set up for the following reason :<br /><br />1. 15 hp is not enough speed to get me home and to move in choppy water.<br /><br />2. The retractable bracket with a 15 hp outboard keep bouncing and vibrating when I run 90 hp at high speed. I don't think it will last or the engine may slip from the mount plate.<br /><br />I remove the bracket and the 15 hp engine and install a 40 hp Selva bolted directly to the transom [notch by 2.5 in] with steering link to the 90 hp Mariner and install a remote throtle. It's a much better set up but an ideal set for my boat would be as follows but I already hv the 40 hv Selva engine :<br /><br />1. 90 hp main engine 17 " pitch.<br />2. 30-40 hp aux. [8-10" pitch] with electric start and power trim/tilt link to main steering.<br /><br />I am not sure if you could bolt a bigger aux engine to a 21' Boston Whaler. It will depend on the clearence but I hv seen people use permanent bracket which I think will be more rigid compare to the retractable bracket. I hv also saw a 40 hp rated retractable bracket in a shop. Never seen anybody use it before. I can imagine how heavy it would be to retract it when you put a 40 horse engine. I still remember how heavy it is just to retract the bracket for 15 horse engine. If you use long shaft aux, you may not have to mess with the retractable setting once you set it up. My aux is short shaft.<br /><br />I am already developing arm muscle by just tilting the aux 40 horse engine and pulling it starter rope. Thats why I wish I hv power tilt and electric start.